Understanding the Hidden Costs of Privacy Curtains

Science has demonstrated time after time that Privacy Curtain are frequently and rapidly contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Within 2 weeks of clean curtains being placed around a patient’s bed 95% were contaminated (21% with MRSA; 42% with VRE; 4% with C-diff). Healthcare workers’ hands were cultured after opening and closing the contaminated curtains and pathogens were found to have transferred to their hands. The overall conclusion: Curtains have the potential to transmit these organisms and can subsequently lead to Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs).

The current industry standard that states “remove the curtain upon visibly soiled or stained” seems inadequate and of increasing concern especially as our awareness about high-risk touchpoints has grown so much especially during Covid-19.

The current guidelines remain unclear based on what we know about privacy curtains:

1. According to AHE (the Association for a Healthy Environment of the American Hospital Association) privacy curtains should be cleaned any time there is visible dust or soil and as part of the terminal cleaning process whenever an area has been occupied by a patient who has been on Contact or Droplet Isolation precautions.
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines state, “Regardless of whether a detergent or disinfectant is used on surfaces in a healthcare facility, surfaces should be cleaned routinely and when dirty or soiled to provide an aesthetically pleasing environment and to prevent potentially contaminated objects from serving as a source for healthcare-associated infections.”

Since contaminants are known to be present on soft surfaces for months, increasing the exchange frequency of privacy curtains should be on everyone’s mind. Yet due to the tremendous costs involved, implementation oftentimes remains an unresolved puzzle.

Many facilities today are weighing the options between reusable and recyclable curtains oftentimes implementing “hybrid” programs dependent on whether the area is considered high-risk or not.

Reusable Curtains are made of flame-resistant polyester and are laundered according to the facility’s exchange protocol. In view of the ongoing research and papers that have been published, here some things to consider when opting for reusable:

• Studies show that reusable curtains are frequently contaminated with MRSA, C-diff and VRE within 2 weeks.
• Only durable through a finite number of washes (diminished fire-resistant properties and aesthetics).
• Substantial initial investment with routine periodic requirements such as visually confirming their cleanliness and condition (torn mesh, stains, unhooked, ragging out etc.).
• Additional par levels of up to 40% are required to ensure that sufficient replacement curtains for protocol and ISO exchanges are on hand to facilitate exchanges while panels are out to laundering.
• Curtains are frequently damaged or go missing during the laundering process: Statistically, one can figure a loss/damaged curtain rate of  10%. The cost of laundering can vary between $8-$12 per panel.
• Sufficient storage space should be allocated to ensure the separate storage of soiled and clean curtains.
• Multiple patterns and sizes lead to an overly complex inventory management.
• Unsightly curtains with torn mesh and unhooked grommets that require reattachment at the ceiling (most often done by nursing staff as the curtain becomes inoperable).
• Patient satisfaction negatively impacted by wrinkles, spots or stains on a curtain.

Recyclable Curtains are primarily made of fire-resistant non-woven polypropylene, are a #5 recyclable, and will sharply reduce overall cost, lower inventory requirements, while improving the environmental impact.

• Recyclable curtains are easily changed as part of the Housekeeper’s terminal cleaning tasks as they are extremely light-weight and quickly changed out. Typically we see a 90% reduction in install cost.
• Eliminates the use of a ladder or step stool along with all risks surrounding workers’ injuries associated with the use of ladders.
• Curtains can be made part of a department or patient care division’s operational budget, not a capital expenditure like reusable curtains.

When one considers the high cost of laundering and inventory management of replacement of the reusable curtain along with the significant delays incurred in terminal cleaning (ED throughput) while staff are trying to decide the correct curtain height, width, and pattern to install, it is evident that privacy curtain costs should get scrutinized.

Facilities that have used the KleenEdge Cost Savings Calculator are frequently amazed at the cost savings, ROI and operational efficiencies when switching to recyclable curtains.

Please use our calculator to calculate the hidden cost of privacy curtains at your facility today.